Suspended Darling issues public apology

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University of Maine sophomore goaltender Scott Darling released a public apology through the university Tuesday regarding his actions that led to an indefinite suspension from the hockey team by coach Tim Whitehead.

Darling was suspended before last Friday’s game against Massachusetts for violating team rules. He also missed Saturday’s game, and will not return for this weekend’s Hockey East best-of-three quarterfinal playoff series against University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Whitehead did not disclose which team rule was broken.

“I apologize to my teammates, coaches and our fans and I will work hard to return to the program when Coach Whitehead decides it is appropriate,” Darling said in the statement. “I am thankful for the support I have received and I am determined to learn from this situation and return ready to contribute in a significant way.”

Whitehead has not stated whether senior Dave Wilson or freshman Shawn Sirman will be in net when the quarterfinal series begins Friday at Alfond Arena. Sirman earned both starts previously against Massachusetts, but was replaced by Wilson during both games.

Darling’s suspension is the third he has been assessed while a student at UMaine. He served a one-game suspension last season for a violation of team rules, and missed the first two games this fall as the result of a Student-Athlete Code of Conduct violation that occurred during the previous semester.

Darling is 15-6-3 with a 3.10 goals-against average and .895 save percentage in 26 starts this season. He was named the Shawn Walsh Tournament MVP of the Florida College Classic in December, after leading the Black Bears to the title, and has been named the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week three times.

“Scott is still very much a part of our team,” Whitehead told the Bangor Daily News. “I’m very proud of him. It takes a lot of courage to step up and make a public apology like he did. I’m confident he’s moving in the right direction.”

Whitehead told the BDN that he will re-evaluate Darling’s suspension next week if the Black Bears advance to the semifinals.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010, 6:55 pm. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.